Welcome to the last moments of October – it’s “scary” to think we are this close to the end of the year, right? I know some of you may be thinking about the upcoming holidays, and maybe you hoped you’d be better prepared with handmade gifts.

Well, today I have a CAS (clean and simple) card set to get you ready, using the Basis card sets from CutCardStock! You can make several of these in a matter of minutes, and have them for dinner hosts, after gift-giving…or even to give to someone to use themselves!

I’ve been asked a few times – if I’m a new paper crafter and can only invest in just a few metal dies, what do you recommend I buy? I highly suggest getting at least one alphabet set. It’s so versatile to make any project, or create any saying for scrapbook headlines, etc. And that is all I’m using today! Along with a couple stickers and some of the fabulous CutCardStock paper too.

I’m starting with the Basis White 4.25″ by 5.5″ card and envelope set. I’ve also selected the Pearlized Textured Gunmetal Black and Classic Linen Gold Pearl paper as a backdrop for my card. I’ve cut a sheet of each of these at 4″ by 5.25″.

Next, I’ve taken a letter set by Sizzix and cut the word ‘thanks’ in both the Gunmetal Black and Gold Pearl card stock. I arrange these across the opposite color panel, and glue down with a fine tipped glue bottle. Then I secure the panel to the front of the Basis White card.

I found a set of general greeting stickers at a local craft store, so I add those under the sentiment. Again, this is a time and money saver so you don’t have to have a lot of stamps to go through.
Now, the fun of this set is the card holder it comes in – this is another supply saver, because it’s simply a sheet of 8.5″ by 11″ X Pearlized Textured Gunmetal Black card stock. The trick is in the fold and cut – and doesn’t even require glue!

Fold the paper in half one direction, then again in the other. Laying it in landscape, cut off the bottom 2 corners at the angle, from the middle fold to the side folds. Then, fold the triangle piece up and you have instant pockets!

You can tuck the cards in to either side, fold up the pocket and tie a pretty ribbon around it like a belly band. Slip some envelopes in for your recipient and you are set. Based on the sizes I used, you may have some card edges peeking out – if you don’t like that look, trim your card to a 4″ by 5″ card instead.

My friends really enjoy receiving card sets as gifts to have handy – and these take only minutes to assemble. If youβre giving these as a gift, don’t forget to sign your name as the “maker” on the back. Who would you give these to as gifts? Or would you keep them handy for yourself for the holidays?
Make sure you get in on the final moments of the Basis Card Set sale, so you can be all ready for last minute host or gift giving. Thanks for stopping by!